Thermode assembly

Abstract

A thermode assembly comprises a heating element comprising a material having a first thermal expansion coefficient and a base comprising a material having a second thermal expansion coefficient lower than the first thermal expansion coefficient. The thermode assembly also comprises a tensioning mechanism for tensioning the heating element in contact with the base.

1 .- 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A thermode assembly comprising:
 a heating element comprising a material having a first thermal expansion coefficient;   a base comprising a material having a second thermal expansion coefficient lower than the first thermal expansion coefficient; and   a tensioning mechanism for tensioning the heating element in contact with the base.   
     
     
         16 . The thermode assembly as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein the tensioning mechanism is arranged to tension the heating element in contact with the base by subjecting the heating element to constant tension created by a force pulling on at least one end portion of the heating element. 
     
     
         17 . The thermode assembly as claimed in  claim 15 , further comprising a clamp for clamping the heating element and for conducting electricity to the heating element. 
     
     
         18 . The thermode assembly as claimed in  claim 17 , further comprising a bias for biasing the clamp in a direction away from the thermode assembly to tension the heating element. 
     
     
         19 . The thermode assembly as claimed in  claim 18 , further comprising an adjustable fastener for fastening the clamp to the bias and for adjusting a distance by which the bias can bias the clamp in the direction away from the thermode assembly. 
     
     
         20 . The thermode assembly as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein the heating element comprises a metallic strip. 
     
     
         21 . The thermode assembly as claimed in  claim 15 , further comprising at least one thermocouple. 
     
     
         22 . The thermode assembly as claimed in  claim 15 , further comprising an air nozzle for cooling the heating element. 
     
     
         23 . The thermode assembly as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein the heating element is elongate and has a first portion of a first width and a second portion of a second width, the first width being greater than the second width, the second portion of the heating element being in contact with the base. 
     
     
         24 . The thermode assembly as claimed in  claim 23 , further comprising a support in contact with the first portion of the heating element for assisting in heat dissipation of the first portion. 
     
     
         25 . A thermode assembly comprising:
 an elongate heating element formed of a material having a first thermal expansion coefficient;   a base comprising a material having a second thermal expansion coefficient lower than the first thermal expansion coefficient; and   a tensioning mechanism for tensioning the elongate heating element in contact with the base.   
     
     
         26 . The thermode assembly as claimed in  claim 25 , further comprising at least two thermocouples welded to the heating element for temperature control and for safety interlocking purposes. 
     
     
         27 . The thermode assembly as claimed in  claim 25 , further comprising an air nozzle along the length of the heating element for cooling the heating element. 
     
     
         28 . A thermode assembly comprising:
 a heating strip; and   an air nozzle for cooling the heating strip, the air nozzle being directed to blow air onto the heating strip.   
     
     
         29 . The thermode assembly as claimed in  claim 28 , further comprising a plurality of air nozzles for cooling the thermode assembly. 
     
     
         30 . The thermode assembly as claimed in  claim 25 , wherein the tensioning mechanism comprises an electrical connection in the form of a clamp for clamping the heating element and for conduction of electricity to the heating element.